Births on January 1

Nana Patekar, Indian actor, screenwriter, and film director

Vishwanath Patekar, widely and affectionately known as Nana Patekar, is a distinguished Indian actor, writer, filmmaker, and a former officer of the Indian Territorial Army. Born on 1 January 1951, Patekar primarily contributes to Hindi and Marathi cinema, where he has carved out a unique niche through his intense performances and versatile character portrayals.

A Journey of Critical Acclaim and Award-Winning Performances

Patekar's career gained significant momentum following his appearance in Mira Nair's critically acclaimed 1988 film, Salaam Bombay!. This powerful drama, which depicted the lives of street children in Mumbai, garnered international recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. While his role in Salaam Bombay! brought him initial exposure, his true breakthrough came with the 1989 crime drama Parinda.

• For his compelling portrayal of a gangster in Parinda, Patekar received widespread critical acclaim, earning him both the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. This role cemented his reputation for delivering powerful and often negative characters with depth and intensity.
• He continued to impress in similar challenging roles, notably in Angaar (1992), where his nuanced performance in another negative role further showcased his range.
• The year 1995 marked a significant milestone in his career when he won the National Film Award for Best Actor, alongside the Filmfare Award and the Screen Award for Best Actor, for his impactful lead role in the 1994 film Krantiveer. His performance as Pratap, an enraged young man fighting corruption, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
• Further accolades followed for his captivating roles in films such as Agni Sakshi (1996), for which he secured another National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Apaharan (2005).
• In 2017, Patekar was honored with the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Marathi) for his profound performance in the 2016 Marathi cinematic masterpiece Natsamrat, where he portrayed a veteran stage actor grappling with old age and fading glory.

A testament to his extraordinary versatility, Nana Patekar shares a rare distinction with the late Irrfan Khan as the only actors ever to win Filmfare Awards in the distinct categories of Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain. This unique achievement underscores his unparalleled ability to excel in a wide spectrum of roles, from heroic protagonists to formidable antagonists.

Prestigious Civilian Recognition and Career Trajectory

In recognition of his immense contributions to Indian cinema and the arts, Nana Patekar was bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2013, the fourth-highest civilian award in India. This esteemed honor acknowledges his sustained dedication and impact on the film industry.

Patekar's acting journey commenced with his Bollywood debut in the 1978 drama Gaman. Following this, he meticulously built his portfolio through roles in several Marathi films and selective Bollywood productions. His career took a decisive turn with his breakthrough performance as a gangster in Parinda (1989), which earned him critical acclaim and major awards.

In 1991, Patekar ventured into direction with Prahaar: The Final Attack, a film in which he also starred. This directorial debut showcased his vision and commitment to exploring themes of discipline and social justice, reflecting his own background as a former Indian Territorial Army officer – a voluntary second line of defense that supports the regular army.

The 1990s saw Patekar solidify his status as a formidable actor, delivering critically acclaimed performances in several commercially successful films. These include:

• Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992)
• Angaar (1992), for which his intense portrayal earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain.
• Tirangaa (1993), where he played an army major, aligning with his real-life association with the Territorial Army.
• Krantiveer (1994), a landmark film that fetched him the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
• Agni Sakshi (1996), earning him his second National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
• Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), a poignant musical drama that showcased his ability to handle more emotionally nuanced and less aggressive roles.

Into the early 2000s, Patekar continued to garner praise for his powerful performances in films like Shakti: The Power (2002) and Apaharan (2005); the latter saw him receive his second Best Villain award at Filmfare, further cementing his reputation for impactful antagonistic roles.

Beyond his critically acclaimed dramatic and intense roles, Patekar also demonstrated remarkable success in commercial cinema. His highest-grossing film releases include his memorable portrayal of a gangster in the highly popular comedy Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back (2015), where he brought a unique comedic flair to his character. Additionally, his performance as a shrewd politician in Prakash Jha's political thriller Raajneeti (2010) was widely lauded, showcasing his adaptability across genres. In 2016, he delivered another career-defining performance in the Marathi film Natsamrat, which is widely regarded as one of his most profound works.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nana Patekar

Who is Nana Patekar?

Nana Patekar is a highly acclaimed Indian actor, writer, and filmmaker known for his intense and versatile performances primarily in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He is also a former officer of the Indian Territorial Army and a recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.

What are some of Nana Patekar's most famous movies?

Some of Nana Patekar's most celebrated films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Apaharan, Raajneeti, the commercially successful comedies Welcome and Welcome Back, and the critically acclaimed Marathi film Natsamrat.

What awards has Nana Patekar won?

Nana Patekar has won multiple National Film Awards (including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor), several Filmfare Awards (including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain), and a Screen Award for Best Actor. He is one of only two actors to win Filmfare Awards in all three major acting categories (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain). Additionally, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India.